‘There was something peculiar’

A locally raised regiment in Retford carrying its colours through the town at the time of the first world war.

Published:14:20Thursday 08 November 2012

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THIS week’s picture shows a locally raised regiment carrying the colours through Retford at the time of the First World War.

It was on 7th August 1914 that the fateful announcement came that the nation was being plunged into war.

The Worksop Guardian at the time reported how there was something “extremely peculiar about the appearance of the town that day.”

The correspondent went on to say: “On the one hand there were a very large number of trippers into the town.”

“Throughout the day members of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the Notts and Derby regiment could be seen in their uniforms.”

“The tradesmen in the town appeared to do very little business. Most of them stood at their doors and discussed the situation with passers-by who were around at the time.”

“At the post office and at the various bill-posting stations, notices were exhibited to the effect that his Majesty the King, having been graciously pleased to order by proclamation that direction be given by the Army Council emboyding the Territorial Forces in the mobilisation, all men in the said force are required to report themselves immediately to their headquarters.”

Four years later at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.

The war in which millions lost their lives had finally come to an end.